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How do you know if your springs are worn out?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by H2Ohs, Jan 10, 2015.

  1. H2Ohs

    H2Ohs New Member

    Hi all,
    Making way on my rear-end (that doesn't sound good). I have my springs out and was going to clean them up, etc. Before starting, how do you know if they are still good? None of the leafs are broken and they seems to still have an arch to them. Still good?
    [​IMG]
     
    H2Ohs, Jan 10, 2015
    #1
  2. oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    With springs installed on unloaded jeep look at the shackle position.
    If shackles set at 45* to near vertical the leaf spring are still serviceable.
    Shackles resting at 5* from vertical is ideal for new leaf springs.
     
    oldtime, Jan 10, 2015
    #2
  3. H2Ohs

    H2Ohs New Member

    Ok, thanks. The shackle angle is close to vertical. I'll clean them up and stick them back under there.
     
    H2Ohs, Jan 10, 2015
    #3
  4. johnsotd

    johnsotd Member

    If these arre grooved springs be sure to check the long leaf around the pin hole for hairline cracks.
     
    johnsotd, Jan 10, 2015
    #4
  5. termin8ed

    termin8ed I didn't do it Staff Member

    When you have a spring that is past flat so it has a negative spring, its time for a new set;)
     
    termin8ed, Jan 10, 2015
    #5
  6. H2Ohs

    H2Ohs New Member

    But you also need to understand, if I had gotten some type of response saying "ya those look bad" or "Geesh,are you riding around with your wife on those???".. That means I can go back to the fund approver and say "hey honey the Internet geniuses said we need new springs..." And the purchase would be automatic. So thanks for nothing. Lol
     
    H2Ohs, Jan 10, 2015
    #6
  7. Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Well, you are correct that they don't really look bad. But if they are original then they are 55 year old springs. I bought my '60 CJ5 in '80, and several leaves busted in the right front spring busted right after I got it. They were the grooved springs like yours. I took the springs to a spring shop and the guy dropped one on the floor and it broke some more. I would at least take them to a reputable spring shop to get an opinion. 55 year old parts, who cares, springs however totally different ball game. Mine aren't the only ones I've seen broken over the years either. Obviously other people have had good luck with older springs, to me though it's not taking the chance to save $400 or $500.
     
    Glenn, Jan 10, 2015
    #7
  8. Tom_Hartz

    Tom_Hartz Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Wow, are you sure? There is no way I would run them... (Wink wink.)
     
    Tom_Hartz, Jan 10, 2015
    #8
  9. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Ya those look bad...

    ;)
     
    PeteL, Jan 11, 2015
    #9
  10. 1967 CJ5A

    1967 CJ5A Mike 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Are you sure those are original springs? I thought originals never had the "military wrap"
     
    1967 CJ5A, Jan 11, 2015
    #10
  11. Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    If you're asking me I certainly don't know if they are original. That is definitely a big if, and good point on the military wrap. They of course could be surplus, or the military wrap added. At first glance they don't look that bad, I agree there. I just know that the way that the individual leaves are somewhat distorted and don't all conform easily to the arch tells me that there is cause for concern about using them. Strictly off road slow speed maybe no big deal, but at any kind of road speed I wouldn't trust them.
     
    Glenn, Jan 11, 2015
    #11
  12. H2Ohs

    H2Ohs New Member

    Ok. I would imagine that even some new cheap springs would probably still be better than those old things. Thanks!
     
    H2Ohs, Jan 11, 2015
    #12
  13. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    In fact my stock (one owner) '57 CJ5 has the identical wrap as my my '52 M38A1 military. (And grooved leaves.)

    I have no concerns about them - not sure why "new cheap springs" would necessarily be any better than Mil-Spec, unless yours are flattened out, or you want a softer ride.
     
    Last edited: Jan 12, 2015
    PeteL, Jan 12, 2015
    #13